Three Fox MIS Students exemplify academic & professional achievement

October 2, 2014

An MIS degree from the Fox School of Business reflects far more than hours spent in the classroom. Beyond the program’s top-ranked courses are extensive and required opportunities for students to gain professional and academic experience, including scholarships, internships, career advancement, and friendly competition with peers.

Three students have seized these opportunities — Tyler Nelson, Elizabeth Calise, and Horatio Thomas – each taking full advantage of what the MIS program has to offer, and exemplifying Temple’s ongoing commitment to excellence.

Beginning this Fall of 2014, the Fox IT Advisory Board launched a new scholarship program that awards $50,000 annually to standout students. Among the first roster of recipients was Tyler Nelson, Class of 2016, who was delighted to be selected. “I felt accomplished knowing that I was being recognized for my academic work,” he said.

The IT Advisory Board seeks students who exhibit academic achievement, previous accomplishments, future potential, and maintain a top-notch e-portfolio. For Nelson, the scholarship was an affirmation of his decision to study MIS. “[It] came at a time when I was already interested in Management Information Systems, and it helped to solidify where I felt I belonged. Since I started attending Temple, I have always had something to do, places to go, and goals to aim for.”

Beyond this exciting new scholarship, there are many other ways in which an MIS student can distinguish him or herself.

Year-round, all those enrolled in the program can earn Professional and Academic Achievement Points. These points are tallied then translated to online public rankings – ultimately eligible to be redeemed for Temple merchandise at an online “Points Store.” The result is a spirited, fun exchange that helps foster incredible student achievement.

Calise, Class of 2016, is pursuing dual degrees at MIS and International Business, and began her college career in Virginia before transferring. “Moving to Philadelphia and attending Temple brought a wealth of new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities. All of these combined have positioned me to achieve tremendous success both personally and academically.”

She credits her accomplishments to her “amazing mentors within the faculty and my outstanding peers that have supported and helped me since day one.”

Horatio Thomas, currently a Grand Master (meaning, he has earned over 2,000 points) is an MIS and Accounting double major. A glance at his online portfolio helps explain his Grand Master status; he is the current President of the Association for Information Systems and spent this past summer interning in the Innovations Lab at the world’s largest company, Wal-Mart.

Horatio credits his success to the overwhelming support of his professors, faculty, AIS officers, and friends at Temple.

“My favorite part…is the access [Temple] gives you to opportunities to develop yourself personally and professionally.”

These three students’ stories are emblematic of what the Fox MIS program has to offer. And for every Tyler, Elizabeth, and Horatio are dozens of other students who are similarly striving for academic and professional excellence.